I think his life's work is completely irrelevant. It doesn't matter if he cleans toilets or if he's the Pope, a crime is a crime and he should not be looked upon any more favorably than anyone else because of his 'valid work'. That's quite an elitist view, if you don't mind me saying.

Again, not seeking justifications for his work but I hate it when good men, whose work benefits all, get taken down by a sex scandal. It seems that it nullifies their sacrfices and achievements. Like it would be a shame if some man cured cancer and then someone discredited by revealing accusations of an illicit sex act. I just think one outweighs the other.

Again, not seeking justifications for his work but I hate it when good men, whose work benefits all, get taken down by a sex scandal. It seems that it nullifies their sacrfices and achievements. Like it would be a shame if some man cured cancer and then someone discredited by revealing accusations of an illicit sex act. I just think one outweighs the other.

But this is not a "sex scandal" or an "illicit sex act". This is an alleged sex CRIME. Different things. But I believe in France the line between the two is somewhat blurred.

^ I don't think it's legally blurred. But certainly one recurrent theme of the coverage has been that the French media's policy (under threat of libel suits) of not reporting on powerful men's sexual 'indiscretions' may cast too wide a net, so that not only extramarital affairs (arguably indeed nobody's business) but also extensive alleged histories of sexual harassment and assault in varying degrees, routinely go unreported. To the detriment of women who are expected to work with such men in professional contexts, because it establishes a de facto social precedent that such behavior is an elite man's privilege, and not yours (women's) to question or challenge.

I don't care who you are and how many amazing things you have done, but if you commit a crime, you should pay for it. Your good works, your money, your reputation mean diddly squat if you have done something bad.

Many people are able to separate Polanski the artist from Polanski the criminal, and people will be able to separate the good things this guy has done from his alleged crime (although honestly, the number of people who make excuses for Polanski is an entirely different can of worms).

The good things this guy has done will remain and won't get magically erased from the world if he's convicted of a crime.

I don't care who you are and how many amazing things you have done, but if you commit a crime, you should pay for it. Your good works, your money, your reputation mean diddly squat if you have done something bad.

That approach doesn't make great men or women. I am of the "to make an omlette you have to break eggs" school of thought which of course will not win many fans in a rape case. When people have large ambitions and consequential actions there is going to be fallout. My point is that sometimes the law is petty comapred to peoples ambitions.

Kenneth Starr had Bill Clinton on the basis of 'law' but we all knew he was being a squirmy little shit in his actions back in 1998.

By "get taken down" you seem to imply that someone else is at fault here? What is your definition of forced oral sex and attempted rape? Really curious....

Well, my point is that in the publics mind DSK is now an alleged rapist and his political career is done. The matter is still before the courts so everyone should reserve judgment. We don't have to look far, only to the 2006 Duke lacrosse case to realize that false rape allegation do occurr.

I understand women of this board are sensitive to this case but let the courts decide. I also find it interesting that the accusser is from Africa. Maybe allgeations and such are common place in that continent buts lets wait until the courts decide. Lets stop the crucifixtion of accomplished men before any women on th planet utters four letters.

Thank you for clarifying. False rape accusations hurt not only the accused but women who have actually been raped, as it makes people less willing to believe them, and therefore makes women less likely to press charges in fear of not being believed or the public scrutiny.

Yes, it happens, and it's unacceptable. Of course the courts should decide. But my gut reaction is to believe the victim. I'm not on any jury, and I'm sure that kind of thinking would have me dismissed from the pool, so it really doesn't matter what I think.